Going on a solo trip can help you realize your strengths and bring many rewards. Solo travel lets you determine your own schedule, encounter interesting folks and boost your confidence, no matter how long you decide to go. Although, if you’re planning your first journey by yourself, it may seem a little frightening. If you’re going solo for the first time, follow our Solo Travel Guide and these 25 useful tips to have an enjoyable and safe trip.
1. Plan Your Trip Ahead, But Keep an Open Mind
It’s a good idea to arrange your hotel and important activities ahead of time when traveling alone. Still, make sure not to pack your days too full. Since you’re traveling by yourself, you can adjust your itinerary as you go, so keepCalendar a bit flexible.
2. Select a Spot You’ll Enjoy
Make sure to pick a place for your first solo journey that’s full of fun as well as safe for visitors. Japan, Iceland and Portugal are among the good options because they are welcoming, offer good infrastructure for foreigners and allow solo travelers.
3. Be sure to read about safety tips for people traveling alone.
Information on safety at the destination you’re traveling to is important to find before packing. Check what scams are popular, what places are safe and what emergency numbers to call if needed. Alternatively, you can become a member of travel groups on the internet or look at solo travel blogs for more ideas.
4. Pack Your Bags in a Smart Way
You’ll have to handle your bags yourself if you travel alone. For a simpler trip, pack only essential belongings and choose a bag that isn’t heavy. Get a backpack or suitcase made of good materials that matches the way you like to travel.
5. Get insured when traveling.
If you’re traveling alone, buying travel insurance is a smart thing to do. Travel insurance handles all kinds of unexpected issues, from losing your bags to getting sick and helps you avoid a lot of stress throughout your travels.
6. Be Connected With Your Family, Yet Remember to Disconnect When It Matters
Even if you want to keep in touch with friends and family, travelers should try to pay attention to the here and now. Catch up with your loved ones from time to time, but don’t miss the moments you spend alone on your trip.
7. Find out a few nice phrases in the local language.
You don’t have to be fluent; a few basic phrases can make life easier. Recognizing cultural signs gives you confidence and means you’ll be better at handling wherever you go.
8. Follow what Your Gut Tells You
You should always pay attention to your feelings as it’s an important solo travel tip. Whenever something in your surroundings makes you uneasy—regardless of whether it’s a person, place or event—leave that spot. Do what your instincts tell you on your solo trip.
9. Use Social Accommodations whenever you can.
If you’re traveling by yourself for the first time, hostels or guesthouses are a nice way to make new solo travel friends. Traveling with someone new can give you advice, allow you to make friends and share memories from the journey.
10. Take care to keep duplicate copies of all your important papers.
Make some copies of your passport, ID, travel insurance and phone numbers that could be useful. Keep your files in the cloud on Google Drive and keep a printout packed in your bag.
11. Stay Organized
A reliable solo travel guide makes sure to give advice on keeping things organized while on a trip. Use apps to keep your trip plans, maps and where you’ll stay organized. This means you’ll be equipped with exactly what you need when you need it.
12. Make Sure You Are Expecting Realistic Results
Bad weather, missed trains or other surprises can happen when you’re on your own. At some point, you will face delays, mistakes and issues during the process. Resist frustrations and continue to be adaptable—that’s the key to making your trip wonderful.
13. Technology Helps You Keep Yourself Safe
If you have Google Maps, Uber or TripIt on your phone, you can easily find your way around, get a ride and follow your schedule. Anyone traveling alone and especially in a new place, needs to bring these tools.
14. Stay Healthy
Going on a trip alone means you have to look after yourself. Remember to drink water, choose foods that are good for you and sleep as needed. Don’t forget to pack a little travel medical kit and any needed drugs for your journey.
15. Don’t Walk Alone After Dark
Although walking in a city at night looks appealing, it’s best to avoid it alone. Always go and move around in lit areas or take public transport or a rideshare car when it’s dark.
16. How to Travel Alone in Different Places
It’s important to know about the local customs, how to dress and etiquette before you visit a new culture. Read up on cultural taboos so you won’t accidentally disrespect anyone.
17. Take Pictures While You’re There, But Enjoy the Moment Too
Taking photos is a lot of fun when you travel solo, but remember to look at things with your own eyes too. Relishing the moment without always taking photos will help your memory of it stick with you longer.
18. Practice Self-Care
Traveling alone can sometimes cause you to aim for everywhere and everything at once. Don’t forget to do something you enjoy such as reading outdoors or having a soothing bath. Taking care of yourself is critical on any trip you take by yourself.
19. Don’t Rush and Enjoy Your Visit
An important benefit of traveling alone is that you can move and see things whenever you like. Don’t let haste take you away from enjoying where you are. Be sure to appreciate the tiny things such as the markets, artwork you see or a small coffee house.
20. Take Local Tours and Go On Different Activities
Consider enrolling in cooking lessons, organizing a hike or participating in a tour around your city. Using these approaches can show you the destination, introduce you to people and provide you with memorable experiences alone.
21. There’s Nothing Wrong with Asking For Guidance
Every once in a while, when traveling on your own, you’ll find you need assistance with directions, ideas for what to do or technical issues. Most people in the area will be happy to give you advice if you ask.
22. Reduce the use of showy watches or handy gadgets.
If you don’t want to attract any trouble, keep your precious jewelry and most expensive items at home. It also makes it unlikely for you to become a victim of petty thieves.
23. Keep the Contact numbers of your emergency team close at all times.
It’s important to have a list with the embassy’s number, phone numbers for emergency service and contact information for friends or relatives at home with you. It’s always smart to take precautions, just in case.
24. Welcome the Freedom
The best part about traveling by yourself is the freedom you have. Feel free to do whatever comes to mind any time you want to. Now is a good time to test your limits, see different places and do things your own way.
25. Consider What You Have Experienced
When your solo travel journey wraps up, spend a little time reviewing what happened. What did you find out about who you are? What difficulties did you deal with? What you will learn from solo travels is priceless.
Conclusion
Solo trips can greatly increase your self-esteem, help you see things from a new perspective and introduce you to different cultures. Now that you have these 25 tips, you can feel ready to travel alone safely, have fun and remember your trip for years to come. Regardless of how many times you’ve done it before, embarking on a solo trip is worth the experience. Safe journeys and have an unforgettable time.